From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

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Five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly yesterday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former five PDP members were received at the International Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, by the state APC deputy chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, who presented them to the state governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
The new APC members, who defected with hundreds of supporters from their respective constituencies, are the immediate past deputy speaker, Mr. Fatai Olotu; Mr. Akinyele Fasogbon, Mr. Kuti Towase, Bimbo Fajolu, and Tuyi Akintimehin.
Adetimehin, who described the defection as a great development for the party because the new APC members joined the party with hundreds of their supporters, hailed them for taking the decision.
With the latest defection, APC now has 18 members in the state House of Assembly. Recall that three PDP members defected to APC last week. Adetimehin, who assured the new members of fair play, said there will be no discrimination against them.
Governor Akeredolu described the new APC members as heroes and said they joined the party because of their love for the progress of the state. He said: “What matters is the interest of the state, not the interest of any individual. The five lawmakers have signified their interest to work for the progress of the state. APC now has wonderful and supportive House of Assembly; a House that is ready to work for the progress of the state.”
While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Fatai Olotu said they defected in order to add value to the party and support efforts by Akeredolu to develop Ondo State further. He said: “We have come to the party in the best interest of our people. We are ready to support Akeredolu’s administration.”
Olotu commended the governor for his intervention during the state House of Assembly crisis.